Does someone know if there are recognized tulku of Drukpa Kunley? I've heard that a couple of them have been recognized in Bhutan, but they did not live long life. Is this lineage continuing or not?Thanks

Destiny wrote:Does someone know if there are recognized tulku of Drukpa Kunley? I've heard that a couple of them have been recognized in Bhutan, but they did not live long life. Is this lineage continuing or not?Thanks

If it is, then it would be recommended to wear a firmly locked chastity belt when in their presence!

When you go to Chimed Lhakhang in Wangdi Phodrang, the main Drukpa Kinley temple in Bhutan, besides being blessed with Drukpa Kinley's bow and arrow, they bop you on the head with a huge wooden phallus. Women come from all around to pray for a child. After the child is born, they bring the boy or girl back with various offerings in thanksgiving. There's a steady stream of such parents and their babies in arms, with Kinley (Kunlek) being one of the most popular male names in Bhutan. When traveling throughout Bhutan, it's not at all uncommon for your guide or some local to say, "This is where Drukpa Kinley threw a fire-brand at a bunch of demons," "This is the house one of Drukpa Kinley's consorts lived in," "This is where (fill in the blank)."

philji wrote:If they are found keep them away from your daughter and your whiskey stash!

You guys know that most of those legends about Kunga Legpa (just like those about Akhu Tonpa) are nothing more than folk tales and rubbish?

Dugpa Kunleg was a serious scholar, yogi and holder of Kagyu lineage, not some lustful drunkard. Why one of the previous Je Khenpos of Bhutan composed such a spicy biography is a mystery to me. Of course Kunleg was not celibate (though during his youth he was a monk), but I am sure that most of his adventures described in this particular biography are made up exaggerations. Tsangnyon Heruka was the one who was really acting crazy, but since his biography has not been published in western langauges and Tibetans did not dare to circulate his stories in the same way that they did with Akhu Tonpa and Drugpa Kuleg, he remains rather unknown.

philji wrote:If they are found keep them away from your daughter and your whiskey stash!

You guys know that most of those legends about Kunga Legpa (just like those about Akhu Tonpa) are nothing more than folk tales and rubbish, riht?

Dugpa Kunleg was a serious scholar, yogi and holder of Kagyu lineage, not some lustful drunkard. Why one of the previous Je Khenpos of Bhutan composed such a spicy biography is a mystery to me. Of course Kunleg was not celibate (though during his youth he was a monk), but I am sure that most of his adventures described in this particular biography are made up exaggerations. Tsangnyon Heruka was the one who was really acting crazy, but since his biography has not been published in western langauges and Tibetans did not dare to circulate his stories in the same way that they did with Akhu Tonpa and Drugpa Kuleg, he remains rather unknown.

One day the Lama thought to himself that it was wrong tohave been so long in Lhasa without meeting a BuddhaLama, and he determined to visit the BuddhaTsongkhapa. 'It is said that Tsongkhapa is an incarnation ofthe Bodhisattva of intelligence, Drukpa Kunley toldButi. 'I must see if his mind is free of lust and anger.'

At the temple of Ramoche, he found the monksengaged in metaphysical discussion, and thinking thathe should not lose this opportunity to teach them he asked, 'What are you doing; oh monks?''We are cleansing our spiritual perspective of doubts and disharmonies,' they told him. 'I know a little bit ofmetaphysics myself,' said the Lama, grabbing a handful ofown flatulence and thrusting it under their noses. ;Whichcame first, the air or the smell?' he demanded.

The monks became angry and would chase him'We are not fitting butts for your humour!' they abusedhim.'Don't be so proud,' the Lama responded. 'Relax a little'My ways and your ways are somewhat different. My waysare civilized while your ways are full of lust and pride. Nowwould you please announce me to the Bodhisattva of Intelligence, Tsongkhapa.''Where is your formal offering?' they asked him.'I didn't know I should need one,' the Lamaremonstrated. 'I'll bring one next time I come. I must see himtoday.''Whoever heard of bringing an offering later!' the monksscoffed.'If it's absolutely necessary,' offered the Lama finally, 'Ihave this fine pair of testicles given to me by my parentswill they do?'The monks became angry again, and denying him entrychased him away.'When I have found an offering I will return to plaguethese monks,' thought the Lama, and made his way back toLhasa....Leaving the temple he set off to visit the Bodhisattva ofIntelligence, Tsongkhapa. As soon as he arrived at theRamoche Temple, the monks asked him what he was doingthere.'I've come for audience with the Buddha Tsongkhapa,'he told them.'Do you still only have your balls as offerings?' jibed themonks.'No. This time I have gold to offer him,' responded theLama.'Then you can gain audience immediately.''Yah! Yah!' laughed the Lama. 'If one has gold to offer,the way is immediately opened.' And he thought to himselfthat he should open these monks' eyes for them.Ushered into the Presence, he proceeded to prostrate tothe box of gold intoning these words:

I bow to the Illuminator of our Darkness,The Crown ofTibetan Sages, Tsongkhapa!I bow to the inviolate Keeper of the Three Vows,Bearer of the White Lotus who was prophesied by AtishaI bow to teacher, debater and composer,Bearer of the Sword on the Utpala Lotus!I bow to the saviour of the poor, he who relieves poverty,Possessor of divine charisma, covered by a web of gold!I bow to the lover of wealth and comfort-May this offering of gold bring joy to his heart!I bow to him whose eyes turned from a poor and lowly votaryWhen I visited you last year with no offering!'

'O Lord of Beings, Kunga Legpa, you speak truthfullyand it is good to hear you,' Tsongkhapa said in reply. Heknotted a protective thread and gave it to the Lama, askinghim to accept it as a blessing. 'You need nothing more thanthis,' he said. 'Wear it!'The Lama accepted the token and withdrew. 'What shall Ido with this thread?' he thought to himself. 'It is notcomfortable to wear around my neck. I have no pocketput it into, and I don't want to carry it in my hand. Bettertie it around my penis which is quite clean and has nothing'to carry.' So he wrapped it around his penis and went to the market.'Look! Look!' he shouted. 'If you have fifty pieces of goldyou can gain audience with the Buddha Tsongkhapahimself. He may even give you one of these!' And he waved hismember with the thread around it in the air.

THE DIVINE MADMAN: The Sublime Life and Songs of Drukpa Kunley, pp64-70

dzoki wrote:You guys know that most of those legends about Kunga Legpa (just like those about Akhu Tonpa) are nothing more than folk tales and rubbish?

Yes, well, I imagine that not all of them are folk tales and rubbish. Either way, for me they are a source of respect for Kunga Legpa. Especially the story with Je Tsongkhapa!

Well yeah it is a nice story, except that Tsongkhapa passed away some 36 year before Kunleg was born. So this story lives on only in the imaginations of Tibetans

They've got a good imagination though! You have to admit!

I guess though, that what it comes down to is if you want to sacrifice the didactic role of hagiographies at the altar of historicity or not. I for one think a tenuous balance between the two is necessary.